First Team Debuts

Milestones

SONS were dumped out of the William Hill Scottish Cup following a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Brechin City.

City continue to hold the upper hand in the national cup competition over Dumbarton in a mainly one-sided clash although they were indebted to some poor defending by Sons throughout the afternoon.

Yet it was a bright start for the away team and some early forward play certainly encouraged the large and vocal support that had gethered behind Craig Nelson's goal.

A Ross McKinnon free-kick had Prunty moving clear of his marker but his looping header evaded the on rushing David Winters and the chance to go one up was lost.

At the other end, Jamie Ewings who went on to have a superb afternoon, survived a strong penalty claim by Charlie King who was impeded by the Sons goalie - a lucky escape for Sons.

Despite Sons' early pressure, it was the home side who went in front. David McKenna's shot from the edge of the box was superbly blocked by Ewings but Craig Molly reacted to the situation faster than Dumbarton's static defence to blast home.

In attempt to get back into the game and on level terms, a Mark Gilhaney curling effort flew just wide of the Brechin goal before a stabbing effort from Prunty failed to produce the equaliser.

Jamie Ewings kept Sons in the game when he brilliantly saved a Brian Hodge blast whilst at the other end Nelson had to look alert to stop a Winters shot.

But with 18 mins remaining, Brechin wrapped up the tie through Charlie King who waltzed past Lithgow to hit a low drive beyond the despairing Ewings to double City's lead.

Sons were though given a late lifeline to get back into the match when Prunty was hauled down in the box for a penalty award. Unfortunately Gilhaney's 12-yard spot kick was easily saved by Nelson with Walkers follow-up well wide of the target.

Substitute Paul McManus rubbed salt in gaping wounds 3 mins into injury time by adding a third goal for City to complete a miserable day for Dumbarton.